Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Public Works
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TO: |
Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager |
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FROM: |
Charles F. Soules, Director of Public Works |
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CC: |
Casey Toomay, David Cronin |
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DATE: |
June 17, 2015 |
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RE: |
6th & Champion Benefit District Public Hearing Continuation from the June 16, 2015 City Commission Meeting |
Traffic volumes at the intersection of 6th St. and Champion Ln. continue to increase. As Bauer Farms continues to develop the need to signalize the intersection is necessary for safety and access to both Bauer Farms and Westgate Development.
The improvement district includes all property north and south of 6th St. that has access to the intersection between Folks Rd. and Wakarusa (see attached map). Tracts 5, 7, 8, and 31 of the attached map are drainage easements and are not included in the benefit district. When the Bauer Farm Development was platted the development entered an agreement not to protest the signalization of this intersection.
The improvements include signalization of the 6th St. and Champion Ln. intersection, pavement marking, crosswalks, and sidewalk/accessible crossings.
The total estimated cost is $400,000. The KDOT and City of Lawrence entered a “Turnback” agreement for Hwy-40 from K-10 to Iowa St. in 2012. In return for the city accepting full maintenance responsibility KDOT provided partial funding for several projects including $250,000 for the signalization of 6th St. and Champion Ln. The benefit district will be responsible for the remaining $150,000.
The benefit district will pay for 100% of the costs with the City participation of 0% (the KDOT turnback funds in the amount of $250,000 will be expended).
The assessment period is 10 years.
The proposed method of assessment is 50% will be assessed to each of the North side and South side of 6th St., then will be divided to the properties based on square footage (spreadsheet attached).
At the City Commission meeting on May 26, 2015 the City Commission adopted Resolution Number 7121 setting June 16, 2015 for a public hearing.
On June 16, 2015 the City Commission asked if the method of assessment should be equally spread to the benefitting properties on a square foot basis. Attached is the spreadsheet based solely on square footage.
The attached Table 1 compares the two methods side by side.
Action
The City Commission has the two options available:
Continue public hearing and approve Resolution No. 7123 with the method of assessment being that the costs are spread 50% to the properties north of 6th Street and 50% to the properties south of 6th Street, then spread on a square footage basis.
Or
Continue public hearing and direct staff to change the method of assessment to a square footage basis for all property in the benefit district (the process will need to start over and a new public hearing date will need to be established at a future City Commission meeting).
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles F. Soules, P.E.
Director of Public Works
CFS/ch
Attachments: Map